Elixir · NANOWEB Nickel (coated) · 12-16-24-32-42-52
Elixir 12152 (12-16-24-32-42-52) in Open D on a 25" scale
NANOWEB Nickel (coated) Heavy (12-52) on an electric guitar with a 25" scale, tuned to Open D (D4 A3 F#3 D3 A2 D2), pulls 128.9 lb58.5 kg573 N in total and 21.5 lb9.74 kg96 N per string on average. That is a tight feel for an electric guitar. The set is uneven (spread 19.2%). String 4 (D3) deviates most: +26% from the set average.
- Total tension
- 128.9 lb58.5 kg573 N
- Average per string
- 21.5 lb9.74 kg96 N
- Balance
- uneven
- spread 19.2%
Tension per string
| # | Note | Hz | Gauge | Item | Type | Tension | vs avg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | D4 | 293.7 | .012 | AR012 | plain | 17.8 lb8.06 kg79 N | −17% |
| 2 | A3 | 220.0 | .016 | AR016 | plain | 17.7 lb8.02 kg79 N | −18% |
| 3 | F#3 | 185.0 | .024 | ENN024 | wound | 24.1 lb10.95 kg107 N | +12% |
| 4 | D3 | 146.8 | .032 | ENN032 | wound | 27.1 lb12.29 kg120 N | +26% |
| 5 | A2 | 110.0 | .042 | ENN042 | wound | 25.3 lb11.46 kg112 N | +18% |
| 6 | D2 | 73.4 | .052 | ENN052 | wound | 16.9 lb7.68 kg75 N | −21% |
| Total | 128.9 lb58.5 kg573 N | ||||||
Similar sets in Open D, 25"
| Set | Gauges | Avg per string | Total | Feel | Balance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| D'Addario NYXL1156 | 11-14-19-32-44-56 | 19.7 lb8.96 kg88 N | 118.5 lb53.7 kg527 N | tight | uneven |
| D'Addario EXL117 | 11-14-19-32-44-56 | 19.8 lb8.99 kg88 N | 118.9 lb53.9 kg529 N | tight | uneven |
| D'Addario ECG24 | 11-15-22-30-40-50 | 20.6 lb9.35 kg92 N | 123.7 lb56.1 kg550 N | tight | uneven |
| D'Addario NYXL1254 | 12-16-20-32-42-54 | 20.7 lb9.39 kg92 N | 124.2 lb56.3 kg553 N | tight | uneven |
| D'Addario EXL145 | 12-16-20-32-42-54 | 20.8 lb9.41 kg92 N | 124.5 lb56.5 kg554 N | tight | uneven |
| 12152 (this page) | 12-16-24-32-42-52 | 21.5 lb9.74 kg96 N | 128.9 lb58.5 kg573 N | tight | uneven |
Best match for a medium feel in Open D, 25"
Ranked by how close every string is to 17.1 lb7.76 kg76 N (lower deviation is better).
- D'Addario EXL115BT 11-15-19-28-37-50
- D'Addario NYXL1149 11-14-18-28-38-49
- Elixir 12102 11-14-18-28-38-49
More for the 12152
Other tunings on 25": E standard, Drop D, Eb standard, D standard, Drop C, C standard, B standard, Open G, DADGAD
About these numbers
Tension is calculated, not measured: T = μ · (2 · L · f)², where μ is the string's mass per unit length (unit weight), L the vibrating length (scale) and f the pitch (A4 = 440 Hz, equal temperament). kg means kilogram-force: 1 kg ≈ 9.81 N ≈ 2.205 lb.
How a set feels also depends on the guitar's setup: action height, break angle over the nut and saddle, string length behind the nut and bridge, and your playing style. Plain strings feel stiffer than wound strings at the same tension. Use these figures to compare sets, not as an absolute measure of feel.
Sources
- Elixir Strings — String Tension for Tuning Guitar (2026-11-01): unit weights derived from tensions printed in whole pounds; rounding leaves up to ±1% on single strings.
- Elixir Strings Product Catalog (consumer, 07/2026) (2026-11-01): set part numbers and gauges.